In-situ foliar nitrogen determination in hybrid poplar plantations using a minolta SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter

Modern, intensively managed hybrid poplar operations rely on annual assessments of nitrogen (N) availability to maximize net primary productivity. Traditional methods for determining N availability in forest crops include soil NO₃-N and tissue N testing. Although both are useful for predicting sufficiency status, they are expensive, in terms of both time and cost. We evaluated the Minolta SPAD-502 leaf chlorophyll meter for in-situ determination of foliar N concentrations in hybrid poplar plantations. The SPAD meter accurately predicted foliar N for three hybrid poplar clones and can be used for rapid and accurate field assessment of leaf nitrogen status.